Key facts
- US Central Command forces resumed a naval blockade against Iran on July 14.
- The blockade targets maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.
- US forces began a ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran on July 20.
- CENTCOM announced it has redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one.
- The strikes aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces have resumed a naval blockade against Iran, targeting maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. The blockade, which began on July 14, is being enforced against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The U.S. military stated it continues to support traffic flow through regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.
During a previous blockade from April 13 to June 18, CENTCOM forces redirected more than 140 compliant vessels, disabled nine non-compliant ships, and allowed over 50 commercial vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass. The latest report indicates that U.S. forces have redirected seven commercial ships and disabled another amid the current blockade.